Yup, Capt'n Chaos is right. Using the evolve motor while sailing let me point higher into the wind and pay attention to the waves. There were some big waves some about 6' or so that smacked into the boat or the boat crested a wave and came crashing down. Motor was at about 80% full throttle to conserve some battery after entering the inlet. At no time did the motor complain. No cavitation, no hiccups, just solid continuous power. It did much better at powering the boat forward than my pedaling could ever have done, not to mention worrying about a fatigue factor. Spitting out seawater often does make pedaling a bit more difficult

I used to think the Evolve motor was only an accessory to be used when the wind died. However, it can be critical to make it home when wind and surf become dangerously rough. The previous week I had towed 2 sea kayaks one behind the other 7 miles out to where a bay met the Gulf so they could see the bird sanctuary and be able to kayak a reasonable distance of 7 miles back. It was like a train with the AI as the engine.

As a kayak accessory a few long trips that would normally require shuttling, like a 10 mile trip downstream, I now just use the motor to 'drive' me 10 miles upstream where I turn around, remove the motor, and paddle back. All that while towing my wife's Kestrel Kayak who also paddles back.

Main purpose is for trolling the reefs in the very early morning on the way out when there is no wind yet and to have some "peace of mind" when going back and fighting the howling offshore winds which tend to kick in around 10 am...

When solo (which is most of the time) intend to install in at the mirage drive slot in the back and control the TI from the front seat.

Questions:

- will the battery fit through the 8" twist and seal hatch?- how long does it take to recharge the battery?

You can put the battery where ever you want. One option is to put it inside the hull and it does come with quick release straps so you can secure it to a suitable area (scupper tubes or mast supports). The kit comes with the fittings to route cables through the hull so it's all nice a neat. It doesn't weigh much so it doesn't matter about moving around a little bit - it's not like a normal lead acid battery that you need to strap down.

From memory, if you keep under 10 knots in speed while under power, you don't need a boat licence in NSW. Best double check with NSW Roads & maritime.

Sounds like a smart law , making younger people know and learn how to control a jetski ( I'm sure that's what the law was designed around) before letting them go out a cream into a dock or another boat at 60 mph. Over here ( in Florida) I think if your over 30 you don't need a boat license. Too many old folks and their trying to cull the herd (lol).Bob

Ocean moves:As you know I'm big into power sailing and the tri power capability on the adventure boats ( using all the power sources at the same time). Especially around here where we don't get very good wind ten months out of the year. I'm curious what your result would be if you accelerate yor boat to say 3-4 mph with no sail up, lock the throttle then begin sailing. What is the result ( faster or about the same as without the evolve running slowly), and when sailing does the computer adjust the range automatically. I'm very interest in your power readings and wattage used in standard conditions ( ie... Winds 5-7 mph). When I do the same with my hybrid gas setup I can easily maintain 6-8 mph without changing the power settings. I'm curious if you get the same results.Bob

Just got my Evolve fitted to my TI, together with separate solar panel & connector for charging the battery.I have front controls (I prefer to sit in the front seat) and evolve fitted to be located in rear drive well.

The instructions state that it includes "covers for all wire connectors" however mine was supplied withouta cover for the evolve motor connector in the rear drive well, leaving an exposed socket on deck, hardly ideal.

Dealer tells me this was all that came with the kit, but it seems to me this cover is missing.Dealer is following up with Hobie. I have found a 3/4 inch nylon threaded cap in Bunnings (hardware store)that seems to do the trick, for 50 cents.

In addition, the solar cable and connector on the panel do not have any covers at all.I have used PVC tape to cover them for now, but again, hardly ideal.

It's a bit saddening to find yourself having to source components yourself for a product thatcosts thousands of dollars.

Anyone have any words of wisdom regarding sea water caps/covers for the Evolve & Solar panel components ?

Has anyone found (or made) replacements? if so, source and component numbers would be greatly appreciated, thanks.